Agenda Profile: Madis Timpson
Draft Law Amending the Employment Contracts Act and Other Acts (602 SE) – First Reading
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is both procedural and policy-driven, focusing on the handling of the draft legislation (602 SE) amending the Employment Contracts Act and other laws in the Riigikogu. The speaker is acting as the representative of the lead committee, who supports the bill's continued processing, a position confirmed by the committee’s unanimous decision to conclude the first reading. The main themes are the regulation of employment relations, inclusion, and flexible working hours.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of labor law and legislative procedures, addressing technical details such as Employment Register (TÖR) entries for flexible working hours and the validity of non-compete restrictions. He/She accurately conveys officials' explanations regarding the registration of minimum workload, social tax contributions, and the allocation of business risks. Furthermore, he/she refers to an analysis concerning the proportion of contracts under the law of obligations (estimated at 9.3% of work-related agreements).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and informative, characteristic of a committee rapporteur. The address is logical and grounded in the presentation of facts, focusing on summaries of the committee’s discussion, the questions posed, and the responses provided by the minister or officials. Emotional or personal appeals are absent; the emphasis is placed strictly on procedural correctness.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity demonstrates active participation in the legislative process, serving as the representative and rapporteur for the leading committee (the Legal Affairs Committee). He/She reports on the committee session held on May 19 and undertakes the commitment to continue working on issues such as the requirement for a 1.2-fold minimum rate and the matter of the student work brigade.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker himself does not express direct opposition but instead references critical questions raised by colleagues (e.g., Randpere, Vooglaid). These questions concerned the procedural aspects of the draft bill (such as the insufficient involvement of trade unions) and substantive issues (e.g., the 1.2-times minimum rate, constitutional problems). The criticism is directed at the policy and procedure, not at individuals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual, as the steering committee voted unanimously (6-0-0) in favor of concluding the first reading of the draft bill. It is emphasized that the competition restrictions have been negotiated with various ministries, and the minister promised to seek solutions in cooperation with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (regarding the student work camp issue).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and employment relations; there is no regional focus. Mention is made of the *Õpilasmalev* (Student Work Brigade/Youth Camp), which is a nationwide youth work experience program, but it is not linked to any specific region.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic standpoints relate to labor regulations, specifically addressing flexible working hours, non-compete clauses, and social security contributions. It is stressed that business risks remain the responsibility of the employer. Furthermore, concern is highlighted that setting the minimum rate at 1.2 times the standard for minors and seasonal workers does not align with market conditions and could create significant obstacles to their employment.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues addressed include the employment conditions for minors and seasonal workers concerning the requirement for 1.2 times the minimum rate. The importance of the student work camp (Õpilasmalev) in providing work experience for youth was also highlighted, which the minister promised to follow up on in cooperation with the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is entirely on the draft Act amending the Employment Contracts Act and other related legislation (Bill 602 SE). The speaker has been appointed as the representative for the lead committee, and their priority is concluding the bill's first reading and continuing its processing within the committee, particularly concerning the issue of the 1.2-fold minimum rate.
1 Speeches Analyzed